The stark, ultra-minimalist spaces of the past decade are giving way to interiors that feel more lived in, warm and layered.
According to trend watchers a shift toward “warm layers that tell a more personal story” is strongly underway. Textures, varied materials, organic shapes and a relaxed layering of elements are key.
Tip for clients: If you’re updating a space, consider introducing one or two “warm layering” elements—curved sofa, hand-woven rug, deeper wood tones, ambient lighting—to transition away from a “cool minimal” feel toward something more inviting.
Colour: Nature-Driven, Richer Neutrals & Bold Accents
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Think deep olive or forest-greens anchoring kitchens or cabinetry, paired with warm wood and brass for a refined but nature-rooted feel.
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Pale pinks, soft greens or muted blues may come in as the “new neutral” walls or upholstery tones, offering a gentle colour base without being stark.
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Accent colours may go bold: clay, terracotta tones, saturated jewel hues in furniture or accessories to create character without overwhelming.
Design-tip: When selecting your main palette, consider whether you want a “tonal” scheme (variations of one hue) or a more layered approach. Use richer neutrals for large pieces (walls, cabinetry), and bolder colour accents at smaller scale (textiles, art) so the scheme remains flexible to future updates.
Materiality, Texture & Craft-Driven Details
2026 is shaping up as a year where materiality and craft matter even more:
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Interiors are moving beyond purely visual aesthetics to physical, tactile experiences. Surfaces that beg to be touched, wood with irregular grain, layered textures.
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The “Sustainable Luxury” trend emphasises one-off pieces, provenance, local craft rather than mass-produced minimalism.
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Use of native timbers, recycled or reclaimed materials, visible grain, joinery as detail
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Textiles and upholstery that emphasise tactile interest: boucle, plush weaves, hand-woven rugs (while being mindful of durability in real-life homes)
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Wall treatments or surfaces that aren’t “flat” – e.g., plaster with subtle relief, paneling that’s irregular or artisan-formed
Tip for clients: When specifying materials, ask about durability and sensory quality. A surface that shows age nicely or develops patina may be far more desirable than one that remains “perfect” but sterile.
What to move away from?
Trends often have a flip side—what’s fading?
According to commentary:
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Over-use of cold minimalist, white/grey, ultra-sleek surfaces is becoming less meaningful.
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Some once-popular elements—terrazzo heavy use, scalloped edges, too much paneling—are being flagged as overdone.
For our NZ studio approach: we’d encourage clients to avoid chasing ultra-trendy finishes unless they really love them and are prepared for them to feel dated in a few years. Instead, build a strong base of quality materials, personalise with accessories or small-scale colour/texture refreshes that can be updated.